WinRAR And The Infinite 40-Day Trial

Summary

The video explains why WinRAR allows continued use of its software even after the 40-day trial expires. This is part of the company's business strategy, which focuses on generating revenue through businesses that need to purchase licenses for legal reasons, while home users can keep using it for free. The constant reminder to buy a license (nagware) encourages some users to eventually purchase it. This approach helps WinRAR combat software piracy and maintain its popularity, while businesses are the primary source of revenue.

Takeaways

• 🧠 WinRAR allows users to keep using the software after the 40-day trial period without forcing a purchase.
• 🌍 WinRAR, developed in 1995, is a popular file archiver utility used to compress and decompress various file formats like RAR and ZIP.
• 📅 Despite the 40-day trial, most home users never buy a license, but WinRAR is aware and allows continued use.
• 💡 This strategy helps combat software piracy, as people use the free version legally rather than seeking pirated versions.
• 🏢 WinRAR’s main revenue comes from businesses, which are required to buy licenses to remain compliant with legal software usage.
• 📈 Home users still benefit the company by keeping download numbers high, increasing recognition, and contributing to visibility through ratings and reviews.
• 💼 WinRAR’s trial period is meant for users to test the software in their environment before deciding on a purchase.
• 🔔 WinRAR uses a nagware strategy, constantly reminding users to buy a license without restricting functionality.
• 📊 Conversion rates from free trial to paid customer are typically low, with an industry average of 25% or less.
• 📱 WinRAR released a personal edition for free in China in 2015 and has an ad-supported free Android app without the nag message.

Q & A

What is the main reason you can continue using WinRAR for free even after the 40-day trial expires?

WinRAR allows continued free use after the trial period as part of its business strategy. The company prefers to combat piracy by letting users access its software freely rather than locking them out after the trial.

Who developed the RAR file format and WinRAR?

The RAR file format was developed by Russian software engineer Evgeny Roshal, while WinRAR was created two years later as a utility to handle RAR and other archive formats. His brother, Alexander Roshal, holds the copyright for the format.

Why do businesses usually pay for WinRAR licenses while many home users do not?

Businesses must adhere to legal regulations and maintain a good reputation, which is why they typically buy licenses for WinRAR. Home users, on the other hand, are less concerned with legalities and continue using the software for free.

What are the limitations of WinRAR during the 40-day trial period?

During the 40-day trial, all functions of WinRAR are available except for adding authenticity information, showing protocol files, and deleting protocol files.

How does WinRAR benefit from allowing users to continue using the software without paying?

By allowing free usage, WinRAR avoids software piracy, keeps the software in widespread use, maintains high download numbers, and increases the chances of users eventually purchasing a license out of convenience or obligation.

What role do home users play in WinRAR’s business model, even if they don’t buy licenses?

Home users help keep WinRAR popular by maintaining download numbers, contributing to ratings and reviews, and spreading recognition, even if they never purchase a license.

What is the term 'nagware' and how does it apply to WinRAR?

'Nagware' refers to software that persistently reminds the user to purchase a license. WinRAR fits this description because, after the trial period, it repeatedly shows a reminder message, though it does not restrict access to features.

How does WinRAR's approach differ in China?

In 2015, WinRAR released a completely free-to-use personal edition in China, which does not require a purchase or show nagging reminders.

How does WinRAR generate revenue through its Android app?

The WinRAR Android app is free, but it generates revenue through ads, unlike the desktop version, which relies on nagware to encourage purchases.

Why do some users believe WinRAR is freeware?

Many users think WinRAR is freeware because the software remains fully functional after the trial period, and the only consequence is a persistent reminder to purchase a license.